​​FREE TESTING - HIV, HEP C, STIS & COVID-19

​Free testing is available Monday – Friday  9 - 4:00 via appointment or walk in.
​Steve’s Place - ALFA downtown
211 NC-127
Hickory, NC 28602
What should I expect
  • ​HIV testing is a quick procedure. A drop of blood is taken from a finger stick and the results are available in only 20 minutes.
  • Hep C and syphilis testing are also provided as rapid tests. If your rapid test is reactive, you will need blood drawn for lab work to see if you have an active case. In most cases, ALFA staff can provide this service at the same visit. Results are typically available within 2 weeks.
  • STI tests are conducted via self-collection swabs. Results are typically available within 2 weeks.

Testing at ALFA is confidential, meaning test results are recorded but no one can give them out without permission of the person tested, except as required by state law. This is the only option in North Carolina.

Testing is the ONLY way to know your status; individuals with HIV, Hep C or a STI are typically asymptomatic. Just because you feel fine doesn’t mean you are. The sooner you know your status and get into medical care, the better your prognosis.

ALFA’s trained Counselor, Testing and Referral staff (CTRs) are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. No identification or insurance is required to be tested. You will asked demographic information along with a risk assessment to assist us in identifying your specific counseling needs for prevention and protection.
​STI TESTING & TREATMENT
​If your STI results indicate an active infection, ALFA staff will refer you to resources for affordable treatment and medication. These may include a primary care provider, the health department, or an online provider.
​​ HEP C TESTING & TREATMENT
​ If you receive a reactive result on a rapid Hep C test, you will need a confirmatory lab test to determine if you have an active case of Hep C.  In most cases, ALFA  staff can perform this in our office.  If your lab work indicates an active infection,  ALFA staff can refer you to a non-judgmental medical provider for affordable treatment and medication. ALFA has some limited funding to assist with expenses.
​​​HIV CONNECTION TO CARE
Getting a HIV diagnosis can be a confusing and scary life event, but ALFA is here for you! For over 30 years, ALFA has been providing supportive services to people living with HIV.

Advances in HIV medications mean that a person with HIV can live a long healthy life, and even achieve an "undetectable" viral load.  Once this is achieved, it is not possible to pass the virus to another person through sexual contact!  This is know as U=U  - undetectable = untransmittable.

ALFA staff can assist you with setting up your first medical appointment, medical case management, and assistance with other resources you may need to help you get into HIV care and support to achieve your best health outcomes.

ALFA offers a variety of services to people living with HIV to improve health and well being at no charge. See Care Services for more information.